Bridge - The Scotsman 17/01/2012

THIS slam deal became a talking point at the first Camrose weekend when five of the six East-West pairs played ignominiously in game.

There was some sort of excuse when Andrew Robson opened a Multi 2D(!) as South. The Scots had agreed to play double as takeout of spades, but had not discussed how to cope with a strong spade hand. So Alex Wilkinson bid 4S, and played there. Tony Forrester and David Gold flattened the board when Forrester opened 3NT, “a good four of a major”. Their discussion of the method appears inadequate: Gold bid 4D as a general slam try – and Forrester bid 4S, looking daggers as he wrapped up 13 tricks. For Ireland Gaye Keaveney’s incredibly overweight 4S opener opened and closed the auction.

The other Easts opened 1S. The Welsh auction: 1S-2C-3S-4S – was simply wet. The SBU auction became murky when North overcalled the five-card major with 2C and East decided not to show a three-card raise with such poor support. His 2D was obscure, and West, unsure if 3S was forcing, cuebid 3C, planning to agree diamonds next. East bid 3NT, West 4D, and East 4S. Exhausted and confused, West passed.

Northern Ireland had no problems. John Murchan opened a strong club, and North’s pre-emptive 3C overcall was brushed aside. Ciara Burns doubled, Murchan jumped to 4S, and East Blackwooded her way to the Grand. They must have been surprised to gain 17 imps.